Bar Coding For Effective Warehouse and Inventory Management

Inventory management is a process which helps keeping track of the goods at the warehouse and other details such as manufacturing, sales, and shipping of goods as well. Bar coding is an effective way to track the inventory. 

Let us check out how barcoding is useful in warehouse and inventory management:

• Efficacy of bar coding: The use of bar coding in the inventory makes the warehouse management very efficient. The bar codes will help to scan the information much quickly on the warehouse computer network. This will ensure that the human work force required to perform the same task is reduced thereby saving on the time and costs. It will also reduce human introduced errors. 
• Providing accurate information: Using bar coding ensures that all the information is accurate and up-to-date. You could also check out for how long the product has been at the warehouse and the price at which it was purchased. Further, it is also ensures that the warehouse is not over-stocked and the goods don’t go waste. You could also eliminate obsolete stocks from the warehouse. 
• Fulfilling the orders: The use of barcodes will help the staff to ship the goods to the right destination very easily. This will ensure that the products aren't returned very often. In other words, the orders can be fulfilled without any hassles. You can check for accuracy by comparing the bar codes on the packaging sheet with the bar codes on the products. This will eliminate inaccuracies to a great extent. Further, customer satisfaction levels will also go several notches up.
• Understanding the potential customer base: It is important to understand the potential customer base and you can do this by finding out where the products are shipped from the warehouse. This will help in determining which of the areas place the maximum orders. It would then become easier to market your services in that particular area and higher profits can be yielded as a result. 

While some companies use scanning tools in their warehouse to keep a track on the goods, this again has its own limitation which can cause errors. A bar code for all the inventories in the warehouse is a must to do away with inaccuracies. The bar code labels will provide complete info about the products in the warehouse. In other words, it is the most reliable method as it will eliminate typographical and date entry errors.

For more information about the benefits of bar coding in Warehouse and Inventory Management , visit McLane Logistics Technology  at 4001 Central Pointe Parkway, Temple, TX 76504 or call us at 1-800-989-7568.

Investing in Inventory Management Software

Inventory management software is undoubtedly a huge investment and most people speculate if it’s a good idea. Small scale to medium scale companies in particular enquire about the benefits of investment in the near future. It should be known that Inventory management software are available in the market easily and come in various configurations, depending upon the individual requirements. Some of these softwares are industry specific and the majority of them can be easily customized to put up with different requirements. The execution of any kind of software system involves a fair deal of investment in terms of cost as well as time. The returns on investment from connected systems, nevertheless, make the initial investment valuable. Inventory management software abides by the same fundamental. Here are some of the reasons why one should invest in this software:

One can achieve a more effectual and valuable tracking of entire Inventory management processes with the help of this software. Earlier these tasks were done manually, but now with the Inventory management software, one can save a lot of time and money for business. The warehouse management can help in decreasing the quantity of extra stock that is detained making sure that the accurate quantities of stocked products are available as and when required. As you purchase and execute Inventory management software, you can control stock levels, also track inventory which is being transported from once place to another. This helps in making a better decision when it comes to which products should be stocked at what places. The chances to inventory needing to be returned are highly decreased if the product sales are well-managed. 

The ROI from setting up inventory management software are ensured. In the first place, financial benefits are guaranteed. Enhanced customer satisfaction is another advantage. Cutting down additional stock can assist in economizing and help make more effective usage of warehouse storage areas. The digitally programmed enterprise processes consume lesser time in comparison to the similar tasks being accomplished physically. For the purchaser, an easy check on the system may possibly address any kind of questions concerning stock as a substitute for the employee having to make a trip to the storehouse to find out the same.

Diversify your business from your competing firms through the use of inventory management software as soon as possible.

For more information about Inventory Management Software, contact McLane Logistics Technology at 4001 Central Pointe Parkway, Temple, TX 76504. You can also call them at 1-800-989-7568.

Technology Increasing Visibility Of Supply Chains

Supply chain management or SCM as it is commonly known, is the process of integrating the process of production of products into a single stream of activities, starting from the raw material to the complete finished goods. The key focus of a supply chain is to generate profits for the business through lowering of production costs and value addition to the products and services.

Any business today thrives on flexibility. The core competencies are handled by the company itself while certain specialized functions are outsourced to vendors who can perform them in a low-cost and efficient manner. This is where a supply chain comes into picture. SCM software is used to streamline all these processes and integrate them as one.

Visibility of a supply chain today demands that in the event of any emergencies or dynamic demands, one can easily analyze the stock of material that is present in the warehouses. It also includes ways to determine how the material is to be transported across various channels and within what time span.

Technology has a major role to play in ensuring effective visibility of a supply chain.

• Warehouse management systems help an organization to maintain a database of various items that have been stored in the warehouse. They also help in the optimization of storage facilities and maintenance of inventory of the materials available. 
• Then there is software available for the transportation management systems which help in deciding on the transport routes and rates to be used for the shipping of goods. All the transportation movements of goods are handled through software.
• Management software and systems provide a wholesome snapshot of supply chain data for an organization from all sectors that make up that supply chain. This allows the organization to gather and analyze data and get visibility from all quarters that form a part of the supply chain.
• Software helps in collaborating and sharing of the data among various organizations that link up together in a supply chain. This aspect is important to ensure that information flows through the communication channels in a streamlined flow without compromising on the security part. 
• Various point of sale and merchandising software are available that help in automating the transactions that take place as part of the supply chain. 

On the whole, SCM software helps in automating and increasing the visibility of all processes related to the customer, supplier, manufacturer, retailer and wholesaler that form an integral part of the supply chain. Another key benefit associated with the usage of such software is that it helps in forecasting the demand for various products and services in the future. Such predictive analysis helps in modifying the production processes in the supply chain accordingly.

Reasons For Keeping Inventory

Tracking and securing inventory is a major role that needs to be performed in any enterprise. This is equally valid in case of both unfinished as well as finished goods. A mismanaged unfinished goods inventory is bound to have a negative impact on the supply chain by bringing the manufacturing process to a halt. On the other hand, the unavailability of finished goods can result in customer dissatisfaction, affecting both the company’s goodwill as well as customer loyalty. Similarly, an overstocked inventory also leads to major losses for the business’ bottom line.

Contrary to common perception, companies dealing in the manufacturing and supply of goods are not the only ones that need to keep an inventory. Even service-oriented ones are sure to have some sort of inventory, even if it is for something as basic as office supplies. By keeping an inventory, companies can stock a cache of items, which comes in handy in case of unexpected supply chain hold-ups or any other time lag. This ensures that the business continues to function smoothly under all conditions.

Having a large-volume inventory helps to improve the efficiency of any enterprise significantly, since this is more economically-viable than purchasing single items only when needed. By having a dedicated inventory handling strategy in place, companies can save on both time and money, leading to better work productivity. Such a strategy also ensures business security in spite of unpredictable market conditions. In case of any uncertainties and fluctuations in demand, supply, and other statistics, a well-managed inventory serves as a foolproof back-up plan.

Inventory handling techniques are also needed at times of change-overs or transitional shutdowns, which are inevitable in every business. The buffer stock allows the functionality of the business to remain intact in crises, until normalcy is restored. In addition to this, applying the correct inventory handling strategies also ensures that inventory excess is utilized in the best possible way.

Inventory management systems are designed to automate the complete process of inventory handling, eliminating the need of a dedicated workforce for the purpose. These systems are essentially based on an IT solution, in which industry-specific software can be applied to handle the complete inventory. The user-friendly interface in such software makes it possible for employees at each stage of the supply chain to view the data, which is updated in real time. This leads to streamlined functionality, as well as minimized risk of errors. 

Functions Of Transport Management System

A robust Transport Management System (TMS) can be an asset for any company that runs an inventory and is involved in transporting goods from one source to another. Even though some companies, principally SMEs might view this as an unnecessary expense, taking into account the vast functions performed by such a system makes it easy to understand how a TMS offers a quick return on investment. The principal functions of a TMS are listed below:

• Carrier selection- Selecting the right carrier for each trip, taking into account factors like the distance to be travelled, the nature and amount of products, etc. is a critical decision which is made simpler with the use of a TMS. 
• Carrier scheduling- A delay in the availability of a carrier at the time of transportation can jeopardize the entire process. TMS avoids such incidences by laying out an elaborate schedule for all the carriers, ensuring that it is made clear from the get-go, where and when a particular carrier is needed, and for how long.
• Dispatching- The dispatching process is essentially the first major process involved in the transportation. A single error affects the entire process at times. TMS minimizes, and almost eliminates such errors, by using the latest data to ensure that the orders are dispatched with complete accuracy. 
• Document preparation- A key process involved in the transportation process is that of preparing necessary documents at the initial stage of dispatching the load. TMS prepares these documents as per the specifications of each trip, eliminating the possibility of human error, and also making all the important data available. 
• Performance measurement- By compiling all the important data involved during the transportation of each load, the TMS serves as a useful database, using which the managers can get ready information about the overall performance, and easily identify any loopholes. This helps to improve the company's bottom line, as well as increase customer satisfaction. 
• Shipment planning- The process of shipment planning involves a number of steps like consolidation, routing, rating, scheduling, and tracing, all of which are performed by the TMS. 
• Expediting vehicle loading- Finally, the TMS plays a major role in vehicle loading, by optimizing critical factors such as the equipment needed for loading,  personnel to be present at the time of loading, costs incurred, route to be followed, unloading schedule etc.

McLane Logistics Technology provides reliable and customized transportation software and transport management system to streamline your supply chain process. For more details visit them at 4001 Central Pointe Parkway, Temple, TX 76504 or call us at 1-800-989-7568.

Microsoft Dynamics AX For Warehouse Management

Microsoft Dynamics AX provides a readymade solution for the warehouse management needs of a company, adhering to the simplicity and excellent standards that Microsoft is popular for. This coming-of-age interface has been designed with an aim of streamlining the functions of any warehouse, without running the risk of getting too complicated that most ERP solutions end up being. By employing this software, employees at each echelon of the supply chain, right from the manufacturers and distributors to the retailers, and finally the customers, can benefit from extensive planning and execution of their roles in the chain.

Any business that involves the use of an inventory can benefit from this software, as it helps making the movement as well as management of products in the inventory speedier, more accurate, and more efficient. The end result of employing Microsoft Dynamics AX for warehouse management is the positive impact on the bottom line. This results from the elimination of loopholes in the existing WMS, which helps by saving both time and resources. By automating the materials handling processes at each stage of the supply chain, the company benefits by saving on time and manpower involved, thereby leading to increased overall productivity.

Microsoft Dynamics AX relies upon a robust interface, making it more durable and easy to maintain as compared to conventional warehouse management solutions. The first and most basic function of this software is that it efficiently manages records of all the warehouse processes in real time, eliminating the need for elaborate paperwork. This simple database can be readily accessed by all the involved parties, leading to increased transparency and coordination, which lacks in a traditionally-run warehouse. This leads to a significant decrease in errors, making it easy to surpass the chance or incorrect deliveries.

In case of any confusion during the warehouse management process, Microsoft Dynamics AX improves the traceability at each step, making it possible to identify any missing links and rectifying them immediately. It becomes much easier to trace information on orders using features like ASN and EDI, in which this information can be updated in real time, eliminating the chance of wrong delivery. The major benefit of this software is to the warehouse workers, who can make use of a variety of tools to make the process more efficient. With Microsoft Dynamics AX as your solution for warehouse management, you can achieve better customer satisfaction, precise deliveries, shorter turnaround times, and boosted productivity.

To know more about the Microsoft Dynamics AX 2012, visit McLane Logistics Technology at 4001, Central Pointe Parkway, Temple, TX 76504. You can also call them at 1-800-989-7568.

Functions Of Warehouse Management System

The advent of warehouse management systems has completely revolutionized the functioning of warehouses like inventory control. Warehouses in modern SMEs are no longer reliant on cumbersome paperwork and thick registers, but have gone on to become a ready solution destination, where the required information is just a single click away. What's more, this information is easily accessible to all concerned persons in the supply chain, via a transparent interface, which streamlines the functions of the warehouse, leading to increased accuracy and productivity.

The major functions that are performed by a warehouse management system include-

• Scheduling and planning- The key to successful warehouse management lies in effective planning, which is made possible through modern warehouse management software. This software utilizes advanced technology to perform vital functions like reserving dock time for different trailers. This is done by taking into account important data such as the availability of the trailer, delivery time, availability of products, etc. 
• Supervision- One of the most important functions of a WMS is to supervise the products during material handling. In the absence of such a system, a large amount of manpower is required to effectively monitor in-process tasks. Not only does a WMS cut down on the cost required to employ these personnel, but it also eliminates the chance of human error. 
• Warehouse tracking- The task of tracking items in the warehouse is greatly simplified by the presence of modules in a WMS which make it possible to perform a quick search for the required item. This function can further be expanded by making use of features like multiple location search, and replenishment alerts. 
• Inventory picking- This is a function that needs to be performed with immense accuracy to ensure that there is no scope left for error. Inaccuracies during inventory picking can amount in great losses in the long run. Using a WMS makes sure that no scope is left for error, by ensuring that the amount of items picked at every stage of the supply chain are accurate. 
• Shelf-life alerts- A WMS is an invaluable asset for organizations dealing with perishable items. Features in the WMS enable it to keep track of the shelf-lives of different items, ensuring complete customer satisfaction and company goodwill. 

These are just some of the functions performed by a WMS. SMEs can choose from a wide range of additional features such as report generation, inventory counts, database updating, etc. depending on their requirements.

The Warehouse Management System provided McLane Logistics Technology allows you to manage your inventory in a more productive and economic manner. To order, visit them at Central Pointe, Parkway, Temple, TX 76504 or call at 1-800-989-7568.